[9th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Iran and India, ancient civilizations and new horizons

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2018] In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation? Linkage: The article’s emphasis on Iran’s resilience against Western domination, its right to peaceful nuclear energy, and India–Iran civilisational partnership directly connects to the US–Iran Nuclear Pact controversy.… Continue reading

The ‘domestic sphere’ in a new India

Introduction Women in India continue to bear a disproportionate burden within the “domestic sphere,” both through unpaid household labour and through systemic silence around violence inside the home. Even as the government projects slogans like “nari shakti” and “women-led development,” the stark realities of dowry deaths, marital rape, unequal division of work, and undervaluation of… Continue reading

Election of the Vice-President

Why in the News? Thiru CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as Vice President of India. About Vice-President (VP) of India: Position: Second-highest constitutional post; deputy to the President. Parliamentary Role: Serves as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Succession: Ranks second in order of precedence and first in line to become President. Membership: Is a… Continue reading

Neurogenesis in the Human Brain

Why in the News? A recent study (2025, Science) found young neurons in the adult brain, challenging the old belief that Neurogenesis (neurons formation) occur only in childhood. What is Neurogenesis? Overview: Formation of new neurons from stem or progenitor cells. Established in Animals: Well-known in mice, rats, and monkeys; also active during human childhood… Continue reading

WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines (EML)

Why in the News? Semaglutide, a drug originally developed for type 2 diabetes but also highly effective for weight reduction has been added to the WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines (EML). What is Semaglutide? Overview: A GLP-1 receptor agonist drug developed for Type 2 Diabetes, also effective in weight reduction. Mode of Action: Stimulates… Continue reading

US to update MTCR export control policies

Why in the News? The United States is preparing to reinterpret the 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to expand exports of heavy attack drones, like the MQ-9 Reaper, to partner countries. About Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR): Formation: Established in 1987 by the G-7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA) to prevent… Continue reading

[8th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A complex turn in India’s FDI story

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2016] Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIS? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India. Linkage: The article highlights that although India records high gross inflows ($81 bn in FY 2024–25), massive… Continue reading

The making of an ecological disaster in the Nicobar

Introduction The Great Nicobar Island Project, with an estimated expenditure of ₹72,000 crore, has sparked unprecedented controversy. Instead of strengthening India’s ecological security and inclusive growth, the project threatens to uproot indigenous communities such as the Nicobarese and the Shompen, destroy one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, and expose the island to severe natural… Continue reading

Katchatheevu Island Dispute

Why in the News? Sri Lankan President Dissanayake’s visit to Katchatheevu Island, the first ever visit by a head of state, revived debates on the island’s history and ownership. About Katchatheevu Island: Overview: Small uninhabited island of about 285 acres in the Palk Strait, ~33 nautical miles from Jaffna (Sri Lanka) and close to Ramanathapuram… Continue reading

‘Blood Moon’ and Lunar Eclipse

Why in the News? Viewers across Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa witnessed a Blood Moon on 8th September, a spectacular form of total lunar eclipse visible. About Lunar Eclipse: Overview: Happens when Earth comes between Sun and Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon. Earth’s Shadow: Umbra: Dark central shadow, causes total or partial… Continue reading

100 years of the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu

Why in the News? This year marks the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu, a transformative socio-political reform movement. About Self-Respect Movement: Overview: Started in 1925 by E.V. Ramasamy Periyar in Tamil Nadu after his exit from the Indian National Congress. Aim: To challenge Brahminical dominance, caste hierarchy, patriarchy, and blind religious practices;… Continue reading

New Horizons and Stellar Parallax Navigation

Why in the News? A recent study has showcased that spacecrafts can locate themselves using a simple stellar parallax method with just two nearby stars, without relying on Earth. What is Stellar Parallax? Overview: Stellar parallax is the apparent shift in a star’s position against background stars when observed from two different vantage points. Example:… Continue reading

In news: Apatani Tribe

Why in the News? The facial tattoos and wooden nose plugs of Apatani women in Arunachal Pradesh, banned in the 1970s, now survive only among older generations, giving them anthropological importance. About Apatani Tribe: Overview: A Scheduled Tribe (ST) concentrated in Ziro Valley, Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh. Language: Part of the Tani linguistic group,… Continue reading

RNA–Amino Acid Link clues to Origin of Life

Why in the News? A recent study published in the Nature suggests that simple molecules called aminoacyl-thiols may have helped amino acids stick to RNA (ribonucleic acid) without enzymes, giving clues to how protein-making began on early Earth. About the RNA–Amino Acid Link: Discovery: Study showed that aminoacyl-thiols (simple prebiotic molecules) can attach amino acids… Continue reading

[6th Spetember 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: India’s Strategic autonomy in a multipolar world

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2014] With respect to the South China Sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affairs the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and even flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. Linkage: India’s stance on the South China Sea highlights… Continue reading

Why Punjab keeps flooding

Introduction Punjab, often called the “food bowl of India,” is paradoxically one of the most flood-prone states in the country. Drained by three perennial rivers, the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, along with seasonal tributaries and hill streams, Punjab has historically thrived on its fertile floodplains. Yet, the very rivers that make its land abundant also… Continue reading

Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025)

Why in the News? The Ministry of Defence has released the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap 2025 (TPCR-2025), a 15-year blueprint for military preparedness and modernization. About Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025): Overview: A strategic modernization blueprint released by the Ministry of Defence to guide India’s Armed Forces for the next 10–15 years. Scope:… Continue reading

Thunderbird Reactor and Cold Fusion Research (2025)

Why in the News? Cold fusion reaction, once dismissed after failed 1989 claims, is back in discussion as US-based researchers report neutron production from their small “Thunderbird Reactor.” What is Cold Fusion Reaction? Overview: A proposed way to achieve nuclear fusion at room temperature, unlike conventional fusion which needs extremely high heat (100 million °C… Continue reading

[pib] Incentive Scheme to Promote Critical Mineral Recycling

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme to promote recycling of critical minerals from secondary sources such as e-waste and battery scrap. About Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme: Launch: Approved under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). Outlay: ₹1,500 crore over 6 years (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31). Objective:… Continue reading

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